Victim of hit-and-run dies in hospital as police hunt for ‘selfish and dangerous’ man

Detectives have appealed for help in finding Mr McWilliams
A 77-year-old great-grandfather who was the victim of a hit-and-run crash has died in hospital.

Richard Dougherty, of Southampton Road, suffered a devastating head injury when a car careered off the road as he was walking along Leighton Road last month.

The Nissan Primera, which police believe was stolen, then crashed through the front garden of three homes near the junction with Leverton Street.

The driver and passengers abandoned the car and fled the scene on foot.

Police have said they are looking to speak to Alistair McWilliams in connection to the crash.

The car, believed to have been stolen, was abandoned at the scene

Detective Sergeant Cheryl Frost said: “Sadly, the victim of this selfish crime has passed away and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

“We are continuing our search to find Alistair McWilliams and would like to hear from anyone who knows of his whereabouts or has seen him in the past few days. Any information, no matter how big or small, will help us to take this very selfish and dangerous man off the streets.”

Mr Dougherty spent nearly a fortnight in a critical condition in hospital after the crash on August 23. He passed away on Tuesday.

Three teenage girls, aged 14, 16 and 17, were arrested a short time later. They have been released under investigation.